08/21/2014

McDonnell Trial Day 19: McDonnel Describes Broken Marriage

It's the most dramatic day of testimony yet - with an emotional former Governor Bob McDonnell saying his wife is responsible for one of the lowest points in his life.

The governor choked up on the stand early Thursday, as he began to tell jurors about a broken marriage. It was a changed man who walked into the courthouse, with his testimony weighing on him early on.

"With 38 years in public service, I never thought I'd have to testify in a trial like this," McDonnell said Thursday.

McDonnell told jurors they heard the real story of his marriage, one he tried not to discuss with his children. According to the governor, Maureen McDonnell became overwhelmed with public life, reaching a breaking point in the middle of their time in the Governor's Mansion.

The most stunning example - what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation weekend broke down into endless fighting, and McDonnell put his thoughts into a note to Maureen.

"I love you. Yesterday was one on (sic) the lowest points in my life. We have had a very hard year emotionally, despite a wonderful anniversary celebration. You are my soulmate. ... I am sorry for all the times I have not been there for you and have done things to hurt you. ... You told me again yesterday that you would wreck my things and how bad I am. It hurt me to my core. I have asked and prayed to God so many times to take this anger away and heal whatever is causing it … some going back years and years. He has not yet answered those prayers. ... I want to be in love, not just watch movies about it."

The letter was entered into evidence and will be published on the federal PACER database Friday. The text was reported by NBC and The Washington Post.

Maureen McDonnell never responds to this note.

They had grown apart, and McDonnell testified his wife took out her stresses on the Executive Mansion staff.

McDonnell said with hesitation, "I knew privately there was chaos" inside the Mansion. "Maureen told me I put my job over her"

"And did you," asked McDonnell attorney Hank Asbill.

"I did" McDonnell said.

Near the day's end, McDonnell explained why he took Jonnie Williams' Ferrari on a spin, adding a bit of levity to the dramatic testimony.

"I hadn't driven in nearly two years, I'm entitled to be normal," McDonnell said.

His kids egged him on to drive the sportscar, and McDonnell told the courtroom, "Listen, it was a Ferrari."